March 2. Arm yourselves with promises.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God, Matthew 5, 8.

When Paul says to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit, Romans 8, 13,

I take him to mean that we should use the one weapon in the Spirit's armor that is used to kill.

Namely, the sword, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6, 17.

So when the body is about to be led into a sinful action by some fear or craving,

we are to take the sword of the Spirit and kill that fear and that craving.

In my experience, that means mainly severing the root of sin's promise by the power of a superior promise.

So, for example, when I begin to crave some illicit sexual pleasure,

the sword swing that has often severed the root of this promised pleasure is

blessed of the pure in heart, for they shall see God, Matthew 5, 8.

I recall the pleasures I have tasted of seeing God more clearly from an undefiled conscience,

and I recall the brevity and superficiality and oppressive aftertaste of sin's pleasures.

And with that, God has killed the conquering power of sin.

Having promises at hand that suit the temptation of the hour is one key to successful warfare against sin.

But there are times when we don't have a perfectly suited word from God in our minds,

and there is no time to look through the Bible for a tailor-made promise.

So, we all need to have a small arsenal of general promises ready to use whenever fear or craving

threaten to lead us astray. Here are four of my most offused promises in fighting against sin.

Isaiah 4110, fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you.

I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4.19, my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

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